Disgraced Pol Anthony Weiner May Be Considering a Mayoral Run

Disgraced politician Anthony Weiner may be considering a return to politics, according to the New York Post. Sources close to Weiner told the Post that the former congressman, who resigned from office after tweeting a lewd pic at a young lady who was not his wife, is "desperate" to return to politics, and is considering a run for public advocate or mayor.

The Post reports that Weiner is still sitting on $4.5 million in campaign funds, and continues to pay rent on a campaign office in Midtown. While Weiner's official spokesperson declined to comment, the Post's story quotes an anonymous source "with ties to Weiner" on the matter:

"I've heard he is seriously thinking about getting into a citywide race in 2013 and would like it to be mayor. In his mind, he's trying to figure out how to run for mayor."

Weiner was considered a strong candidate to succeed Mayor Bloomberg before Weinergate forced him to resign in disgrace. However, political analysts say that Weiner now has a better shot at winning a battle for public advocate, a position with a much smaller salary, and one that would give Weiner the opportunity to prove he deserves a second chance with New Yorkers. The public advocate typically serves as a sort of advocate for the concerns of the average city resident, and is first in line to succeed the mayor.

There is no word yet on whether Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, would support him in a run for office. While the couple remains married, Abedin has not refrained from speaking publicly about her husband's infidelities, and continues to work a high-powered job in D.C. as Hilary Clinton's aide.